Mara is a Clinical Psychology Student at Virginia Tech. She received her B.S. in Biology with a minor in psychological sciences from The Pennsylvania State University in 2017. Upon graduation she worked as a researcher at the University of Pittsburgh. Her research interest focus on the development of personality disorders. Particularly, identifying the early manifestations of interpersonal or personality dysfunction, developing a deeper understanding of subsyndromal symptoms, and uncovering how behaviors progress into maladaptive patterns and the effect this can have on future symptoms of psychopathology. Ultimately, the goal of her overall program of research is to generate knowledge to enhance interventions and evidence based treatments, particularly for individuals “on course” to develop personality disorders. During her free time, Mara might be found watching true crime documentaries, working out or baking.